Question

A company achieves synergy by aligning the goals of individual employees with organisational goals. This is an example of :

• A. Planning
• B. Goal setting
• C. Direction
• D. Coordination

Hint:

Remember: Whenever you see keywords like "synergy," "aligning," "integrating," or "unity of action," the answer is always Coordination.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Extract the key terms from the scenario.
The company is "aligning the goals of individual employees with organisational goals" and the result is "synergy." We need to match this to the correct management concept.
Step 2: Understand the meaning of synergy in this context.
Synergy means the combined output of a unified group is greater than the sum of individual outputs working in isolation. It only occurs when different parts of an organization work together harmoniously toward a shared purpose.
Step 3: Evaluate option (A) - Planning.
Planning involves setting objectives and deciding the courses of action. It happens before execution and does not specifically deal with aligning individual and organizational goals during operations.
Step 4: Evaluate option (B) - Goal setting.
Goal setting is one activity within Planning. Setting a goal is different from actively aligning the goals of individuals with those of the organization on an ongoing basis.
Step 5: Evaluate option (C) - Direction.
Direction involves instructing and guiding employees. While it overlaps with coordination, it focuses more on the act of leading rather than the systemic alignment of efforts.
Step 6: Confirm option (D) - Coordination.
Coordination is the managerial function of integrating the activities of various departments and individuals so they all pull in the same direction. It is called the "essence of management" precisely because it creates synergy by aligning everyone's goals and actions with the organization's overall objectives.
\[ \boxed{ \text{Coordination} } \]